School Gardens with Ease – Details, episodes & analysis

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School Gardens with Ease

Leila

Education

Frequency: 1 episode/7d. Total Eps: 74

Discover how to effortlessly integrate school gardens into your elementary or middle school curriculum with the School Gardens with Ease Podcast. This podcast is your go-to resource for creating flourishing and productive food gardens that provide long-term educational benefits. Learn tips, strategies, and insights to help you grow and maintain a sustainable school garden that enhances your teaching and inspires students for years to come.

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🇬🇧 Great Britain - howTo
05/04/2026
#91
🇬🇧 Great Britain - howTo
04/04/2026
#58
🇬🇧 Great Britain - howTo
03/04/2026
#40
🇨🇦 Canada - howTo
24/02/2026
#76
🇨🇦 Canada - howTo
23/02/2026
#42
🇬🇧 Great Britain - howTo
04/04/2025
#90
🇬🇧 Great Britain - howTo
03/04/2025
#63
🇩🇪 Germany - howTo
19/02/2025
#85
🇩🇪 Germany - howTo
18/02/2025
#54
🇨🇦 Canada - howTo
04/02/2025
#82

Spotify

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https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs
49 shares
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachers
26 shares
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/pZ2cNrYj/checkout
20 shares

https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2376967/open_sms
44 shares

https://youtu.be/mvpKszVOuKw
2 shares
https://youtu.be/heJjOhYvFOE
2 shares
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-1Enhp4Tss
1 share

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Score global : 58%

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26: Outdoor Education, School Gardens, and Finding Common Ground with Author Lauren MacLean

Friday, November 15, 2024 • Duration 32:57

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Let's welcome Lauren MacLean, a passionate children's author, educator, and outdoor learning consultant. Lauren’s books, including Me and My Sit Spot and Finding Common Ground, inspire young readers to connect with nature, and her work as an educator brings hands-on outdoor experiences into the classroom.

Lauren shares insights on integrating school gardens into the curriculum and offers practical tips for teachers looking to overcome common barriers, such as finding time for outdoor education. She explains how she creatively weaves subjects like math, science, and social studies into outdoor learning, making the garden a year-round, interactive classroom. Lauren’s journey from a former field hockey athlete to a teacher passionate about outdoor education highlights her commitment to fostering environmental stewardship among young learners.

Lauren also introduces her new book, Sitting with Nature: An Educator's Guide to Sit Spots, a comprehensive resource filled with weekly prompts and lesson ideas to engage students in nature-based activities.

Topics Covered:

Lauren’s inspiring transition to outdoor education and how mentors influenced her teaching approach
Practical advice on using school gardens to meet curriculum requirements in various subjects
Addressing teachers' common concerns, like scheduling outdoor time and managing behavior in outdoor settings
The concept of "sit spots" and how repeated visits to natural spaces build deeper connections to nature
How Lauren's books bring the magic of nature into classrooms and homes
The upcoming virtual launch for Sitting with Nature on November 26th—an event for teachers interested in outdoor education

Resources and Links:

Connect with Lauren:

Website: teachoutdoors.ca
Join the virtual book launch on November 26th to celebrate Sitting with Nature!

Subscribe & Follow:
Don’t forget to subscribe to School Gardens with Ease and check out more resources on bringing gardens and nature into the classroom!

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Hugelkultur Magic: The Garden Hack Every Teacher Needs to Know

Friday, November 8, 2024 • Duration 20:26

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Build a Resilient School Garden with Hugelkultur!
In this episode, Leila shares an innovative and regenerative gardening technique that can make your school garden more resilient, water-conserving, and low-maintenance — hugelkultur!

Leila discusses how this permaculture technique, which involves creating a raised garden bed with a foundation of buried wood, can significantly reduce summer maintenance needs and provide long-term benefits to both the garden and the learning experience. Hugelkultur is not only water-efficient and nutrient-rich, but it also extends the growing season, supports local wildlife, and serves as a hands-on educational tool for students. This episode provides a step-by-step guide to building a hugelkultur bed with your students and highlights how this method can make your school garden more self-sustaining.

Topics Covered:

What is Hugelkultur?
- Definition and translation of "hugelkultur" (mound or hill culture).
- How to create a raised garden bed using layers of wood topped with soil.
Benefits of Hugelkultur Gardens:
- Water Conservation: Wood in the bed acts like a sponge, retaining water and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Nutrient-Rich Soil: Over time, the decomposing wood enriches the soil, eliminating the need for additional fertilizers.
- Extended Growing Season: Heat from the decomposing wood helps keep the soil warmer, allowing plants to thrive for longer in colder climates.
- Biodiversity and Wildlife Support: Hugelkultur beds attract beneficial woodland wildlife and mushrooms, enhancing the ecosystem around the garden.
- Resilience and Low Maintenance: Fewer watering requirements and built-in nutrients reduce the need for summer maintenance.
Science and Educational Value:
- Opportunities for teaching students about natural water cycles, soil health, decomposition, and biodiversity.
Practical Considerations:
- Recommended wood types (avoid chipped wood, willow, and black walnut).

16: Fall & Winter Classroom Gardening Ideas – Easy, Fun Activities for Students

Friday, September 6, 2024 • Duration 15:01

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In this episode of School Gardens with Ease, Leila shares creative and engaging gardening activities perfect for fall and winter.
Even without an outdoor garden, you can bring greenery and food-growing projects into your classroom with low-cost, hands-on activities.
Learn about seed stratification, making seed balls, growing microgreens, and more!
These activities are fun, educational, and easy to integrate into your lessons, keeping students connected to nature year-round.

Download the accompanying checklist for all the activities mentioned in this episode:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/fall-and-winter-gardening-checklist-for-classrooms

And here's Leila's complete course with step by step Lesson Plans, Student Booklets, and Classroom Wall posters plus an optional supplies delivery for Greater Toronto Area schools on this very topic:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/oasis-fall-and-winter-indoors-2024

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15: Unlock Cost-Saving Design Secrets for Your School Garden Pitch: Permaculture Techniques and Budgeting Tips Every Teacher Needs to Know

Friday, August 30, 2024 • Duration 19:19

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In this final installment of our series on pitching your annual vegetable school garden, we're diving deep into two essential topics that will take your garden proposal to the next level: cost-effective garden design and budgeting strategies.

Join Leila Mireskandari as she reveals powerful permaculture design techniques, like Hugelkultur and sheet mulching, that can transform your school garden into a regenerative, water-conserving powerhouse—all while staying within budget. Learn why curvy, natural garden designs outperform traditional straight rows and discover how to source materials like wood and soil for free or at minimal cost.

Leila also tackles the crucial aspect of budgeting for your garden project. From seeds and soil to the often-overlooked need for high-quality lesson plans, she breaks down exactly what you need to include in your budget to ensure your garden is both educational and sustainable. Plus, find out which commonly purchased garden items are a complete waste of money and what to invest in instead.

Don't miss this episode if you're ready to pitch a school garden project that impresses funders, engages students, and keeps costs low!

Key Takeaways:

Why you should embrace natural curves in your garden design.
How Hugelkultur can drastically reduce your garden's water needs and build rich soil over time.
The benefits of sheet mulching and how it can save you from digging up grass.
Essential items to include in your garden budget—and what to avoid.
The critical role of lesson plans in making your garden a true educational experience.

Links & Resources:

Download the summary PDF of this 5-episode series [Link in show notes].
Learn more about the Oasis Series programs for ready-to-use lesson plans, student booklets, and classroom wall posters: https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

14: Mastering the "When" and "Where" of Your School Garden Proposal: Practical Steps for a Seamless Integration

Friday, August 23, 2024 • Duration 13:48

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In Episode 14 of the School Gardens with Ease podcast, Leila Mireskandari continues her deep dive into crafting a winning proposal for your school’s annual vegetable garden project. This episode is a must-listen for teachers ready to transform their classrooms and schools into thriving green spaces that enhance learning across all subjects.

What You’ll Learn:

Timing is Everything: Discover how to seamlessly integrate garden activities into your daily class schedule without adding extra work or stress.
Perfect Placement: Learn why the location of your garden is crucial and how to choose a spot that gets optimal sunlight, is easily accessible for watering, and remains visible to foster community support.
Classroom vs. Outdoor Gardens: Get expert advice on whether to start with a classroom garden or dive straight into an outdoor garden project. Leila shares the benefits and challenges of each, helping you make the best decision for your school.
Preventing Garden Vandalism: Understand why visibility is key to protecting your garden from vandalism and theft, and how personalized student-made signs can create a sense of community ownership.
Looking Ahead: Stay tuned for the next episode, where Leila will introduce low-maintenance Permaculture design ideas and budget-friendly tips to help you build a sustainable and impactful school garden.

Whether you're a first-time garden planner or an experienced educator looking to enhance your current project, this episode is packed with practical tips and insights to ensure your school garden proposal is a success. Don’t forget to check out parts 1-3 of this series for a comprehensive guide to pitching and planning your school garden.

My Recommended List of Seeds for Schools:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachers

Indoor Seed Starting in Schools guide:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/pZ2cNrYj/checkoutTo learn more about my Oasis Suite of programs you can visit the following link:

13: Crafting the Ultimate School Garden Lesson Plans: Ensuring Educational Impact and Budget Success

Friday, August 16, 2024 • Duration 12:39

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In Episode 13 of the School Gardens with Ease podcast, host Leila Mireskandari continues her insightful series on how to pitch and plan your annual vegetable school garden project. This episode focuses on one of the most crucial aspects of your proposal: the integration of lesson plans that turn your garden into a powerful educational tool.

Key Takeaways:

The Core of School Gardens: Discover why lesson plans are essential for transforming a school garden into an educational experience and how they differentiate school gardens from any other garden.
Budgeting for Educational Success: Understand the often-overlooked cost of developing lesson plans and why it's critical to include these in your garden proposal's budget.
Strategic Lesson Planning: Leila shares her secret to writing effective garden-related lesson plans—starting with the garden tasks and integrating them with your existing curriculum. Learn how to create a series of lessons that align with the natural schedule of gardening while covering key subjects like science, math, language, arts, and social studies.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Learn why one-off gardening lessons aren't enough and how a well-structured, integrated approach can ensure that your students not only grow a garden but also gain meaningful, curriculum-aligned learning experiences.
Preparing for Your Pitch: Get tips on how to communicate the importance of lesson plans in your pitch or proposal, setting the stage for a well-rounded, funded, and educationally impactful garden project.

If you're preparing to propose a school garden or looking to enhance your current project with structured educational content, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned for the next episode, where Leila will discuss the timing and location of your garden, crucial factors that influence your project’s budget and success.

My Recommended List of Seeds for Schools:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachersIndoor Seed Starting in Schools guide:To learn more about my Oasis Suite of programs you can visit the following link:To figure out the timing of seeds for your growing zone:

12: The Detailed Plan & What to Grow in a School Garden

Friday, August 9, 2024 • Duration 14:44

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In Episode 12 of the School Gardens with Ease podcast, your host Leila Mireskandari continues the essential discussion on creating a compelling proposal for your annual vegetable school garden project. This episode is part 2 of the series and dives deep into the heart of your proposal: the detailed plan.

Leila explains the critical elements your plan should cover, including the "who," "what," "when," and "where" of your garden project. She emphasizes the importance of ensuring that students, not adults, are at the center of all garden activities, from building to growing. This hands-on involvement is crucial for making your school garden a true educational tool.

In this episode, Leila also breaks down what types of plants to include and avoid in your garden. She provides insights into choosing the right plants that align with the school schedule and growing season, ensuring that your students can enjoy the fruits of their labor before the school year ends or return to a bountiful harvest in the fall.

Whether you're planning an outdoor garden or a classroom garden, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you build a garden that thrives with minimal maintenance over the summer. Leila also highlights her Oasis Classroom program, perfect for those interested in creating a robust indoor garden experience.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The essential components of a detailed school garden plan
Why students should be the ones doing all the garden work
How to select plants that are easy to grow and fit the school calendar
Tips for minimizing summer maintenance with smart plant choices
The benefits of classroom gardens and how they can be a great alternative to outdoor gardens

Links Mentioned:

11: Crafting a Convincing School Garden Proposal (Part 1)

Friday, August 2, 2024 • Duration 10:05

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n this episode of the "School Gardens with Ease" podcast, host Leila Mireskandari dives into the first part of a crucial topic: how to create a compelling proposal for an educational food garden at your school. This episode, the first in a multi-part series, focuses on the foundational elements you need to make your pitch irresistible to school decision-makers like principals, directors, school board committees, and parent councils.

Episode Highlights:

Introduction to School Garden Proposals: Learn why it’s important to craft a solid proposal or presentation, especially if you need approvals, funding, or other forms of support.
Key Elements of Your Proposal:
1. Type of Garden: Why an annual vegetable garden is the best choice for educational purposes, and how it stands out from other garden types like pollinator gardens or fruit orchards.
2. The "Why" of Your Garden: Detailed benefits of a school garden, including its role as a versatile educational tool, its hands-on experiential learning opportunities, and its potential for fostering teamwork, empathy, and environmental stewardship.

Leila also emphasizes the empowering nature of food gardening, offering students a tangible way to contribute to environmental solutions. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped to start building a proposal that not only secures support but also turns stakeholders into enthusiastic advocates for your school garden project.

Tune in next week as Leila continues with the detailed plan and budget components of your school garden proposal.

Resources Mentioned:

My Recommended List of Seeds for Schools:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachers
Indoor Seed Starting in Schools guide:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/pZ2cNrYj/checkout

10: How NOT to engage your community in your school garden project.

Friday, July 26, 2024 • Duration 13:49

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In this episode we will talk about how not to engage your community in your school garden project and how to do it properly and at the right time.
This goes against the grain but is something we should talk about.

My Recommended List of Seeds for Schools:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachers

Indoor Seed Starting in Schools guide:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/pZ2cNrYj/checkout

To learn more about my Oasis Suite of programs you can visit the following link:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

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9: Did you get a garden thrown at you?

Friday, July 19, 2024 • Duration 12:12

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In this episode we will talk about what to do if you were given an old garden and was told to take over, revive and use it. Or if you discovered an old garden and decided to take over, revive and use it.

My Recommended List of Seeds for Schools:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachers

Indoor Seed Starting in Schools guide:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/pZ2cNrYj/checkout

To learn more about my Oasis Suite of programs you can visit the following link:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

Read moreCollapse

School Gardens with Ease – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

School Gardens with Ease – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other30

Buzzsprout1

Youtube4

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other30

Buzzsprout1

Youtube4